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Republicans on the ropes

The political landscape of the United States could change dramatically in the next few days if the Democratic Party is able to overcome the habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. With the Bush administration's disastrous Iraq policy overshadowing all other issues in the campaign for the congressional elections, Republicans are in danger of losing control of the legislative branch. The Democrats are on track to capture more than the 15 seats they need to gain control of the House of Representatives. They are also within striking range of picking up the six seats that will give them control of the Senate. As November 7 draws near, the Grand Old Party has felt compelled to boost advertisement outlays to defend many seats that were once considered safe. The Republicans are in such dire straits mainly because the election has turned into a virtual referendum on President George Bush's performance. His job approval ratings have hovered below the 40 per cent mark for the past several months. That most Republican candidates have ensured that Mr. Bush does not put in an appearance at their campaign rallies speaks for itself. The Republican effort to turn the debate around and push local issues to the fore seems to have backfired. Too many of the party's incumbents have been caught up in scandals of one sort or another. Even cultural conservatives, who staunchly supported the GOP in the past because it was perceived as an upholder of moral values, now seem to be having second thoughts. Those who have been in control for the past four years will also face the brunt of widespread anger against a `do-nothing' Congress.

True to character, Mr. Bush & party have reverted to the tactic of `fear and smear' in the closing phase of the campaign. The Republicans have unleashed a range of negative advertisements targeting their opponents. They have also tried to convince the electorate that the country's security would be in jeopardy if the Democrats took control of Congress. Unlike in the past elections, this attempt does not appear to have found much traction. The electorate's anger and concern over the Bush administration's mishandling of Iraq, stagnant incomes, and the rising cost of health care seem to be too deep-rooted to be overwhelmed by a propaganda blitz. However, the Republicans do have something going for them. They organise and conduct voter-identification and turnout operations better than their opponents. Further, nervousness over the implications of a Democratic victory may serve to galvanise the Republican base. With so much at stake, much of the world will fervently hope that the Democrats have it in them to deliver the knockout.

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